Licensing & security

Legislation summary - South Australia

1. Licensing requirements
Under Section 12 (2) (a)-(h) of the state's firearm regulations (as amended):
(2) Subject to subregulation (3), one or more of the following purposes may be endorsed on a firearms licence

• use as a member of a recognised firearms club - 1;
• target shooting - 2; (but not a match at a club)
• hunting - 3;
• paint-ball shooting - 4;
• use in relation to carrying on the business of primary production or in the course of employment by a person who carries on such a business - 5;
• use in the course of carrying on the business of guarding property or use in guarding property in the course of employment by a person who carries on that business - 6;
• such other purpose as is approved by the Registrar - 7;

Collectors need to have a separate licence altogether.

Under Section 15 of the Firearms Act, a 28 day minimum waiting period will apply to applications authorising the acquisition of a firearm. Registrar may make an exemption in special circumstances.

College of Technical And Further Education (TAFE) or via a firearms club (club course only applies to club use).

2. Storage requirements
Under Section 29 (1) (a)-(e), (2) (a)-(c), (3) (a)-(b) and (4) of the state's firearm regulations category A and B firearms must be kept in a locked container made of either hardwood or steel which is securely attached to the building - unless it weighs more the 150 kilograms. Category C, D or H firearms must held in a steel container. Ammunition must be kept in a separate locked container.

3. Hunting
The South Australian Department of Environmental Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs issues hunters with permits under Section 68A of the state's National Parks and Wildlife Act. The permit covers a range of hunting activities in particular settings. Holders must carry the permit with them at all times (as with a licence) - even when hunting on private land. Permit holders also require the written permission of landowners in order to hunt on private property (permission usually only lasts for 6 months at a time).

4. Moving between states
Under Section 50 of the state's firearm regulations (as amended), South Australia recognises licences issued in other jurisdictions. However, shooters visiting SA must abide by the state's various Acts and regulations. Licence holders who move to South Australia permanently have three months in which to get a new licence. This application temporarily exempts them from parts of the Act and enables them to hold their existing firearms. Must apply within 7 days. May hold existing firearms if outer-state licence allows them for 3 months.

5. Juniors
Under Section 20 of the state's firearm regulations, children down to the age of 10 may use a category A firearm while under supervision. However, for all other categories the minimum age is 14. Under Section 50A of the regulations minors down to the age of 12 who are members of a 'recognised firearms club' and need to hold a licence to participate in competitions inter-state or overseas are exempt from Section 12 (3) and (8) of the Act. This enables them to obtain a one year licence which is non-renewable (they must re-apply each year).

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